May 16, 2024

At the 35^th annual DCAS Fleet Show, DCAS unveiled the latest Clean Fleet Update, highlighting major carbon reductions in the City’s fleet.

NEW YORK - Today, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) released its latest report on municipal fleet carbon emission reduction progress, highlighting that the city is on track to meet its ‘50% reduction by 2025’ mandate, surpassing prior estimates. The setting for the announcement was the 35th annual DCAS and NYC Parks Fleet and Equipment Show at Flushing Meadow Corona Park, where more than 200 exhibitors and over 1,000 participants took in the latest in green, safe, and efficient fleet equipment.

The initial Clean Fleet Plan of 2015 set ambitious goals to reduce fleet greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025 and 80% by 2035. As highlighted in the Clean Fleet Update, in 2024 alone, DCAS has made remarkable progress, surpassing 5,000 plug-in electric vehicles and installing its 2,000^th electric charging port. Additionally, the City made a monumental shift by replacing fossil diesel fuel with renewable diesel across nearly its entire fleet, marking a significant stride towards sustainability.

"Our achievements reflect the dedication and collaboration of our entire fleet community, and I could not be more proud of our Fleet Management team,” said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “From mechanics to transportation coordinators, every individual has played a crucial role in driving our sustainability agenda forward.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, NYC's clean fleet initiatives serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. By demonstrating the feasibility of rapid and practical emissions reductions, the City sets a powerful example for municipalities worldwide.”

“By reducing its fleet, electrifying, and expanding chargers in environmental justice communities, DCAS is reducing harmful GHG emissions and creating a healthier city for all,” said Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice Executive Director Elijah Hutchinson. “New York City is leading by example – and ahead of schedule – because climate change demands that we act now.”

Major highlights of the Clean Fleet Plan Update include:

• Cleaner, Greener, Fleet: Two-thirds of the City’s fleet, over 21,000 fleet units, now use sustainable alternative fuels, including electric, hybrid electric, solar, and biofuel.
• Electric Vehicle Milestone: In 2015, The Green Fleet Plan of 2015 set an ambitious goal of 2,000 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025. The City has surpassed that mandate a year early, with 5,000 on the road in 2024.
• Hybrid Vehicles on the Rise: In addition to EVs, DCAS also continues to invest in hybrid vehicles, with the City operating 4,300 hybrids today.
• Electric Charger Network Expansion: DCAS has invested heavily in electric chargers, now operating over 2,000 charging ports, one of the largest charging networks in the United States. The network is focused on environmental justice (EJ) communities for the chargers, with 50% or more in EJ communities.
• Renewable Diesel Rollout: In August 2023, DCAS completed a contract for hydrogenation derived renewable diesel (RD). Through early May 2024, over 9 million gallons – or over 56% of the City’s annual diesel fleet use – had been replaced with RD. DCAS is the first entity to bring RD to the East Coast of the United States.

“At NYC Parks, we like to keep our public spaces green and clean – and the same goes for our fleet!” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.“ We’re proud to have the largest electric vehicle fleet in the city, limiting air and noise pollution as we maintain the beautiful parks, playgrounds, and natural areas that New Yorkers cherish. The Adams administration continues to meet the moment in responding to global climate change, and we’re grateful to our partners at DCAS for their support building out our green fleet.”

“In 2015, New York City committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its fleet 50% by 2025,” said DCAS Deputy Commissioner Keith Kerman. “We chose three core strategies: electrify as quickly as possible; replace fossil diesel with biofuels; and implement hybrids and fleet efficiencies. Nine years later, New York City operates over 5,000 plug-in electric vehicles and 2,000 chargers, both the largest in New York State.  We are the first fleet on the east coast to replace diesel fossil fuel for renewable diesel. We have implemented Mayor Adams fleet reduction initiative and also implemented over 4,300 hybrids.  Through good times and crises, while supporting City agencies 24/7 for their critical missions, we have kept a focus on sustainability and will achieve 50x25.”

Electrification has been a cornerstone of New York City's clean fleet strategy, with the City exceeding its initial goals for electric vehicle adoption. The first Clean Fleet Plan in 2015 set a goal of 2,000 electric vehicles by 2025. In January, DCAS announced the City’s 5,000^th electric vehicle and earlier this month announced the City’s 2,000^th electric charger. With current projections, DCAS will operate at least 6,000 electric vehicles and 2,500 chargers by the close of 2025. In addition to the 5,000 EV’s currently in the City’s fleet, DCAS also operates over 4,200 hybrids, with NYPD operating nearly 2,200.

Beyond electrification, the most effective method of carbon emission reduction is fleet reduction. Since the height of the City’s fleet size in 2018, DCAS has removed over 2,000 fleet units from use. Total fuel use has decreased 18% or 5.4 million gallons annually since FY13 and is on pace for additional reductions. Additionally, the City’s commitment to biofuels, including biodiesel and hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel (HDRD), has played a pivotal role in reducing fossil fuel dependence and lowering emissions. With over 9 million gallons of renewable diesel already in use, NYC leads the East Coast in pioneering sustainable fuel alternatives. All agencies (with the exception of FDNY, who are in progress) have now completely replaced all fossil diesel with renewable diesel at DCAS’ in-house fuel sites, greatly reducing carbon emissions. Although there is still work to do, renewable diesel is step in the right direction towards the elimination of fossil fuels, while the City works to transition to an all-electric fleet.